City Faces in Different Places

How long have you lived in Bridgeport? We moved to the area 6 years ago, right after I obtained my first job with the Harrison County Board of Education.

Where were you originally from? I was born and raised in Braxton County, WV. My dad was from Long Island, NY and my mom was from Charleston, WV. After they got married, they decided they wanted to start a family in a small, close-knit area. My husband and I want the same concept for our family, which is why we are so grateful to live in the community of Bridgeport.

Are you married? Yes. My husband, Heath, and I will celebrate our 7th anniversary October 23.

Children? We have one son, Riley, who will turn 5 in November. We also have our fur-baby, Bella, who is a 10 year old Shih Tzu.

Favorite Color? All different shades of blue, especially ones that have tones and hues that would be found in the tranquil waters of the Caribbean.

Where do you Work? I have just started my 5th year as an English/Reading teacher at Bridgeport Middle School. I spent my first two years working with 7th grade students, and the last 3 have been educating students in the 8th grade. I am also in my first year acting as the BMS Student Council advisor, and I thoroughly enjoy getting to work with and know the students on a more personal level.

Favorite Bridgeport Spot? It’s probably a tie between Mia Margherita and Almost Heaven Desserts. Our perfect family date involves chowing down on some amazing pizza and capping it off with some cheesecake or peanut butter pie.

Favorite WV spot outside of Bridgeport? It would definitely be my parents’ and in-laws’ houses. There’s nothing better than to be able to watch our parents play with our son. And it makes my heart melt to see his face light up when I say we are headed to Nana and Pop-pop’s.

Favorite place outside of WV? This is a tough question to answer. We love to travel as much as possible and experience different things. My whole family loves to go to the beach (which we do at least once a year), and our best friends live in Florida, so we travel to see them, and Mickey Mouse, whenever possible. We also take advantage of living fairly close the Pittsburg Zoo, so much so that we have been members for the past three years. Some of my favorite family memories are spent traveling, when we have little stress or worries and can enjoy our time together.

Best Childhood Memory? I feel very blessed at the childhood my parents helped to create for my sister and I, and so many come to mind. But one thing that will always hold a special place in my heart is spending time from my infant years into adulthood at my mom’s dance studio. From dancing myself, to helping assist in any way I can, the studio has always been a complete family effort, and many good times where spent within those walls.

Hobbies? I love to read pretty much anything I can get my hands on. Dancing has always been a big part of my life, and now I am enjoying the next phase of that working more hands-on behind the scenes. But my favorite hobby is spent being with my family in some respect, whether we are at the playground, at my son’s tai kwon do practice, or just watching a movie. There are never enough hours in the day, but we try to take advantage of and enjoy any minute we have.